Media Platforms Design TeamIf you still think a musclecar has a shaker scoop sticking through the belly of some giant animal sticker on its hood and a lumpy V8 driving chromed Cragars on the rear axle, you’d better turn down that Bee Gees 8-track and listen up. The members of hot rodding’s new school embrace a decidedly different breed of performance car. These cars have half as many cylinders as their ancestors, with redlines and rear spoilers that scrape the stratosphere. And, the best of them will show their aqueduct-size tailpipes to the hairiest of the ’60s-era big blocks. Sorry, dude, it’s true.These new-wave muscle machines are collectively known as sport compacts and they do more than just go fast in a straight line. They follow the blacktop like the center stripe while delivering fuel-economy numbers any SUV would give its transfer case for–while giving change from a $20,000 bill.We rounded up a dozen of the baddest little road burners and hammered them on the freeway as well as the dragstrip and the road course at Willow Springs International Raceway. Our group included the two factory top dogs–the Subaru WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII. In addition, we included the Acura RSX Type-S, Dodge Neon SRT-4, Ford SVT Focus ZX5, Hyundai Tiburon GT V6, Mazdaspeed Protegé, Mini Cooper S, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V and Toyota Celica GT-S. Obviously this group could not be complete without the latest descendants of the cars that began it all, the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI.Subaru Impreza WRX STiMedia Platforms Design TeamGot horsepower? This small sedan does–300, in fact. All that muscle is hooked to a computer-controlled, driver-adjustable, all-wheel-drive system, limited-slip differentials and a 6-speed manual. Even at a dragstrip more than a half-mile above sea level, the Subi broke through the quarter-mile in 13.52 seconds at almost 100 mph and ripped to 60 mph in 5.22 seconds. Did we mention it has 300 ft.-lb. of torque, too? With a meaty exhaust note and mailbox-size hood scoop, the STi is Godzilla.The suspension is race car firm and the tires all but slicks. At the Streets of Willow road course, the STi dusted every car in the test–except its close rival, the Evo–and generated a Corvette-like 0.92 g’s on the skidpad. Inside, the front seats have deep bolsters that lock you in place. And that hood scoop in the lower third of your vision is a constant reminder of why this car exists.As you would expect, the Subaru is thirstier than most, so if you want to sip fuel, shop elsewhere. If you want to cover everything behind you in your dust, stop here.Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIIIMedia Platforms Design TeamIf the STi is Godzilla then the Evo is Mothra. In this test, these two beasts are in a league of their own. The Evo’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder makes “only” 271 hp and 273 ft.-lb. of torque. Like the Subaru, the Evo makes its power thanks to a big turbo and a refrigerator-size intercooler. That translates to half a heartbeat behind the Subaru at the dragstrip: The Evo blistered the quarter-mile in 13.59 seconds and made 60 mph in 5.25 seconds.The Evo’s awd uses a viscous coupling, and the car was the best handler in the test. It generated the quickest lap times, highest slalom speed and most grip on the skidpad. And, for many of our drivers, it was the most fun. The steering is extremely quick, accurate and communicative, and the 5-speed transmission allows light, precise shifts. This car was the easiest to drive fast. And Brembo brakes stopped it fast.The Evo has wonderfully supportive seats. Rear-seat legroom is good and there’s even a fold-down center armrest. Like the STi, our Evo costs about 10 grand more than everything else here. But, also like the Subaru, the Evo delivers supercar performance and star power usually reserved for exoticars.Dodge Neon SRT-4Media Platforms Design TeamIf you want as much bang for as few bucks as possible, the Neon SRT-4 must be at the head of the class. It’s less than $20,000, quicker than 6 seconds to 60 mph, and does the quarter-mile in the low 14-second range. Like the Japanese monsters, the Dodge relies on a turbo blowing through a massive intercooler for power. But in the Neon, the 215 hp goes through the front wheels only. And that means you get copious amounts of tire smoke. But that seems right for this car–it’s the rowdiest of the group. The dual exhausts snarl and pop with backfire every time you let off the gas. It’s raw and we love it. Its lap times were only a tad off the pace–it’s just too easy to light up the Dodge’s inside front tire in a turn. Inside, the SRT-4 has big bolstered chairs borrowed from the Viper, a cool metal shift knob and a turbo boost gauge that spends most of the time pegged.Mazdaspeed ProtegéMedia Platforms Design TeamIn every driving situation the Mazda feels taut, communicative and polished. During our testing, this car always kept us smiling, especially at the racetrack. After the two leaders, the Protegé was the quickest through the twisties. And it stopped shorter than everything else here.Under the hood is a Callaway-turbocharged 170-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder packing 160 ft.-lb. of torque. This is mated to a slick 5-speed manual with a short-throw shifter. And, the Mazda can put the power down thanks to a torque-sensing Tochigi-Fugi limited-slip differential.The interior is nicely done with supportive buckets up front and one of the roomiest back seats in this test. If you favor handling dynamics and refinement over brute force, seriously consider the Mazdaspeed Protegé.Mini Cooper SMedia Platforms Design TeamIt’s all but impossible to not love the Mini. It’s just so cute and funky. Because the Mini is part of the BMW family, you know it’s much more than just a pretty face. Our test car was the S, which brings a supercharged and intercooled 163-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder linked to a 6-speed Getrag manual. Since the Mini weighs only 2688 pounds, that output is ample. And the lack of mass, coupled to the Mini’s legendary low center of gravity and bulldog stance, makes it a gifted mover on the racetrack.But off the track, many of our drivers found the suspension too stiff. And despite the car’s ground-breaking use of space, the rear seat is still better suited to the Crayola crowd. But it certainly is hip.Ford SVT Focus ZX5Media Platforms Design TeamFrom the same Ford performance fanatics who brought us the Cobra and Lightning comes the SVT Focus. Lift the hood and you’ll find a normally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that happily winds to 7000 rpm. The engine drives the front wheels through a 6-speed manual. Maybe not a winner of any single contest except sound, the SVT still bested almost everything else in the slalom and pulled a healthy 0.88 g’s on the skidpad.Off the track, the SVT’s suspension is one of the best blends of compliance and composure. The interior is nicely appointed with good materials–though the front seats could use deeper bolsters.Acura RSX Type-SMedia Platforms Design TeamWhen you opt for the Type-S package on your RSX, you get a 200-hp 2.0-liter Four. The engine’s power delivery is linear and the 6-speed gearbox slick. We think the Acura has the best transmission in this group. Though the RSX was midpack in the handling tests, it was only one-tenth of 1 mph slower than the STi in the slalom and less than a second slower than the Neon around the track. It also delivered the best fuel economy of the group. On public roads, the Acura is predictable and fun to push. Inside, the Acura is quite refined, which means it doesn’t feel like a factory-tuned special.Toyota Celica GT-SMedia Platforms Design TeamThe Celica looks ready to take on all comers. Backing the sheetmetal is a 180-hp 1.8-liter Four. Like the Acura, the Celica boasts intelligent variable valve timing. Unlike the Acura, power delivery is peaky. And the car has only 130 ft.-lb. of torque to work with. Being the lightest in the group has a distinct advantage when the roads twist. The Celica was second to only the Evo through our slalom course, it generated 0.89 g’s on the skidpad and delivered the third-best fuel economy.While the Celica was very communicative and wonderfully neutral through the pylons, its narrow powerband sunk its lap times. A healthier, broader supply of torque would have made the Toyota one of the quickest of the group. From behind the wheel, you have no doubt that you are in a Toyota. Everything inside simply oozes quality.Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec VMedia Platforms Design TeamHere’s a car with a torquey, 175-hp 4-cylinder, 6-speed transmission, limited-slip differential, firmed-up suspension and meaty 215/45R17 tires. So why is it here near the end of the pack?For some reason, the Spec V package just isn’t as well integrated as the others. Under power, the steering wheel wrestles with you for control and the shifter feels plasticky in your hand. Our tester’s lack of ABS and easy lockup produced the longest stopping distance of the group. Nissan is fixing the braking problem: The ‘04 version gets a big Brembo brake package.But ultimately, the age of Sentra’s platform just does it in.Honda Civic SiMedia Platforms Design TeamTwenty years ago, there was the Volkswagen GTI and the Honda CRX Si. These cars spawned the pocket rocket revolution. Today’s Civic Si has, unfortunately, lost some of the original’s magic. The Si makes do with a 160-hp version of the same engine that’s in the Acura. And though it’s a mere 2724 pounds, it’s one of the slowest. The Honda’s modest 195/60R15 tires generated the least grip on the skidpad and were instrumental in the car’s second-slowest lap times.Still, despite its lack of zip and stick, the Civic Si is agile, easy to toss around and rides better than many of the others. And from behind the wheel you certainly feel racy. The Si’s seats rival the Subaru’s. And the back seat is surprisingly comfy. If only it had the Acura’s 200-hp engine.Hyundai Tiburon GT V6Media Platforms Design TeamHyundai has come a long way recently. And nowhere is that more evident than in the Tiburon. Lift the hood and you’ll find one of only two V6s in our test. The 2.7-liter makes a respectable 170 hp and 181 ft.-lb. of torque. It’s hitched to a 6-speed manual. Around town the Tiburon feels muscular with its abundant torque. But at the strip, the heavy Tiburon fought for traction and finished toward the bottom of the pack. Our drivers complained that the car felt disconnected from its chassis. This can be attributed to less-than-precise steering and a suspension with too much roll.Inside the cabin, however, the Hyundai’s materials are nearly on par with the Japanese. And it’s the least expensive car here.VW Jetta GLIMedia Platforms Design TeamThe Jetta is the most luxurious and one of the priciest cars here. The interior is richly appointed with soft leather, deep dark wood and quality switches. The VW is the only car in this test with a stability control system. Unfortunately, that stuff doesn’t matter as much in this group as lap times and a loud exhaust. The VW’s soft suspension made it the slowest around the racetrack and between the pylons. On public roads the Jetta is a pleasure and certainly the plushest-riding car of the group. As one tester pointed out, the Jetta is the “gentleman’s express” of the bunch. Problem is, the target market is not made up of gentlemen.>SPECIFICATIONS AND DIMENSIONSVEHICLE MANUFACTURER & MODELBASE PRICE/ PRICE AS TESTEDENGINE TYPE/DISP. (liters/cu. in.)ENGINE HP (SAE net)/TORQUE (ft.-lb.)STRUT BRACE?/ PREM. FUEL? TANK (gal.)DRIVE/ TRANS.TYPE/ FINAL GEAR RATIO(S)WHEEL-BASE/ LENGTH (in.)TRACK F/R (in.)WIDTH/ HEIGHT (in.)ACTUAL WEIGHT (lb.)/ WGT/HPSEATS/SIDE AIRBAGSACURA RSX Type-S$23,270/$23,770DOHC 16v I4/ 2.0/121.9200 @ 7400 rpm/142 @ 6000 rpmyes/yes 13.2fwd/6M 4.39:1101.2/172.258.4/58.467.9/54.72788/13.94/front torsoDODGE Neon SRT-4$19,450/$19,995DOHC 16v I4a/ 2.4/148.2215 @ 5400 rpm/245 @ 3200 rpmno/yes 12.5fwd/5M 3.53:1105.0/174.458.0/58.167.4/56.02929/13.65/noneFORD SVT Focus ZX5$19,085/$20,775DOHC 16v I4/ 2.0/121.3170 @ 7000 rpm/145 @ 5500 rpmno/yes 13.2fwd/6M 2.88, 4.25:1c103.0/168.158.8/58.566.9/56.32820/16.65/front torsoHONDA Civic Si$19,000/$19,460DOHC 16v I4/ 2.0/121.9160 @ 6500 rpm/132 @ 5000 rpmno/no 13.2fwd/5M 4.76:1101.2/165.657.9/57.966.7/56.52724/17.05/noneHYUNDAI Tiburon GT V6$17,999/$18,309DOHC 24v V6/ 2.7/162.1170 @ 6000 rpm/181 @ 4000 rpmno/no 14.5fwd/6M 4.43:199.6/173.058.7/58.769.3/52.33063/18.04/front torsoMAZDASPEED Protegé$19,980/$20,500DOHC 16v I4a/ 2.0/121.4170 @ 6000 rpm/160 @ 3500 rpmyes/yes 14.5fwd/5M 4.11:1102.8/174.657.2/57.467.1/55.52803/16.55/noneMINI Cooper S$19,300/$21,450SOHC 16v I4b/ 1.6/97.5163 @ 6000 rpm/155 @ 4000 rpmno/yes 13.2fwd/6M 2.74, 4.05:1c97.1/143.957.2/57.566.5/55.82688/16.54/frt torso+ f/r headMITSUBISHI Lancer Evo VIII$28,987/$30,062DOHC 16v I4a/ 2.0/121.9271 @ 6500 rpm/273 @ 3500 rpmyes/yes 14.0awd/5M 4.53:1103.3/178.559.6/59.669.7/57.13183/11.85/noneNISSAN Sentra SE-R Spec V$17,199/$19,066DOHC 16v I4/ 2.5/152.0175 @ 6000 rpm/180 @ 4000 rpmyes/yes 13.2fwd/6M 4.13:199.8/177.557.7/56.967.3/55.52767/15.85/noneSUBARU Impreza WRX STi$30,995/$31,545DOHC 16v H4a/ 2.5/150.0300 @ 6000 rpm/300 @ 4000 rpmno/yes 15.9awd/6M 3.90:1100.0/173.858.7/58.568.5/56.33263/10.95/front torsoTOYOTA Celica GT-S$21,970/$24,390DOHC 16v I4/ 1.8/109.6180 @ 7600 rpm/130 @ 6800 rpmno/yes 14.5fwd/6M 4.53:1102.4/170.558.6/58.268.3/51.42565/14.34/front torsoVOLKSWAGEN Jetta GLI$22,950/$26,044DOHC 24v V6/ 2.8/170.4200 @ 6200 rpm/195 @ 3200 rpmno/yes 14.5fwd/6M 3.94, 3.09:1c98.9/172.359.6/58.868.3/56.73144/15.75/frt torso+ curtainsa. turbo. b. supercharged. c. twin layshaft. d. elbow. e. shoulder. 1. Best E.T., trap speed may be attained separately. 2. Best time. 3. Best stop hot or cold. 4. Best speed through 8 cones 75 ft. apart. Index of transient response. 5. Average of best cw and ccw traverse. 6. The Streets of Willow Springs shortened road course, to 100ths. 7. Average of two readings. 8. Based on 60 simple weighted tasks. 9. 5 stars=safest. *4-dr. Impreza wagon data.>SPECIFICATIONS AND DIMENSIONSVEHICLE MANUFACTURER & MODELHEAD-/LEG-/HIPROOM, F/R (in.)INTER./CARGO VOL., SEAT UP (cu. ft.)REAR SEAT SPLIT %/ RELEASE(S)STEERING TYPE/RATIO (overall)TURNING CIRCLE (ft.)WHEEL SIZE & TYPE/TIRE BRAND & MODEL, TIRE SIZESUSPENSION SYSTEM CONFIGURATION (front/rear)BRAKE SYSTEM TYPE (front/rear) DIAMETER (front/rear)ACURA RSX Type-S37.8/43.1/51.1 30.1/29.2/46.779.2/17.850-50/seatbackpower rack & pinion/15.1:138.116x6.5-in. alloy/Michelin Pilot HX MXM4, 205/55R16coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/ coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bardisc/disc, ABS 10.3-in. vented/11.8-in.DODGE Neon SRT-438.4/42.2/52.4 36.7/34.8/52.989.2/13.160-40/seatbackpower rack & pinion/18.0:138.917x6-in. alloy/Michelin Pilot Sport, 205/50R17coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/ coil/strut, multilink, stab. bardisc/disc, ABS 10.1-in. vented/10.6-in.FORD SVT Focus ZX539.3/43.1/49.4 38.7/37.6/49.593.8/18.660-40/seatbackpower rack & pinion/16.0:139.117x7-in. alloy/Continental ContiSportContact, 215/45R17coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/ coil, shock, multilink, stab. bardisc/disc, ABS 11.8-in. vented/11.7-in.HONDA Civic Si37.8/42.2/51.2 36.7/33.0/48.484.7/15.760-40/seatbackpower rack & pinion/16.6:134.815x6-in. alloy/Michelin MXV4, 195/60R15coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/ coil/strut, multilink, stab. bardisc/disc, ABS 10.3-in. vented/10.2-in.HYUNDAI Tiburon GT V638.0/43.0/51.6 34.4/29.9/44.781.9/14.750-50/seatbackpower rack & pinion/13.5:135.817x7-in. alloy/Michelin Pilot Sport, 215/45R17coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/ coil/strut, multilink, stab. bardisc/disc 11.0 in. vented/10.2-in.MAZDASPEED Protegé39.3/42.2/51.7 37.4/35.4/49.192.6/12.960-40/seatbackpower rack & pinion/15.4:134.117x7-in. alloy/Bridgestone Potenza RE 040, 215/45R17coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/ coil/strut, multilink, stab. bardisc/disc, ABS 10.8-in. vented/11.0-in.MINI Cooper S38.8/41.3/53.9d 37.6/31.3/44.5d71.7/5.350-50/trunkpower rack & pinion/13.2:135.017x7-in. alloy/Pirelli eufori@ run-flat, 205/45R17coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/ coil/strut, multilink, stab. bardisc/disc, ABS 10.9-in. vented/10.2-in.MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo VIII39.9/43.0/51.2 36.7/36.6/50.295.1/10.2no-foldpower rack & pinion/13.0:138.717x8-in. alloy/Yokohama Advan A-046, 235/45R17coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/ coil/strut, multilink, stab. bardisc/disc, ABS 12.7- in. vented/11.8-in. ventedNISSAN Sentra SE-R Spec V39.9/41.6/52.1 37.0/33.7/52.388.5/11.660-40/trunkpower rack & pinion/15.8:138.417x7-in. alloy/Continental ContiSportContact, 215/45R17coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/ coil/strut, multilink beam axledisc/disc 11.0-in. vented/9.1-in.SUBARU Impreza WRX STi38.6/42.9/53.3 38.6/42.9/51.998.6/11.0no-foldpower rack & pinion/15.2:135.417x7.5-in. alloy/Bridgestone Potenza RE 070, 225/45R17coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/disc/disc, ABS 12.7- in. vented/12.3-in. ventedTOYOTA Celica GT-S38.4/43.6/51.3 35.0/27.0/46.878.3/16.950-50/seatbackpower rack & pinion/14.4:136.316x6.5-in. alloy/Yokohama Advan A-680, 205/50R16coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/disc/disc, ABS 10.8-in. vented/10.6-in.VOLKSWAGEN Jetta GLI38.6/41.5/53.7e 36.9/33.5/52.5e87.0/13.060-40/seatbackpower rack & pinion/15.6:135.817x7-in. alloy/Michelin Pilot HX MXM4, 225/45R17coil/strut, A-arm, stab. bar/ coil, shock, torsional beam axledisc/disc, ABS 11-in. vented/9.1-in.a. turbo. b. supercharged. c. twin layshaft. d. elbow. e. shoulder. 1. Best E.T., trap speed may be attained separately. 2. Best time. 3. Best stop hot or cold. 4. Best speed through 8 cones 75 ft. apart. Index of transient response. 5. Average of best cw and ccw traverse. 6. The Streets of Willow Springs shortened road course, to 100ths. 7. Average of two readings. 8. Based on 60 simple weighted tasks. 9. 5 stars=safest. 4-dr. Impreza wagon data.>TEST RESULTSVEHICLE MANUFACTURER & MODELACCEL.1: 0-30 MPH/ 0-60 MPH (sec.) 1/4-MILE (sec./mph)PASSING2 40-70 MPH (sec.)BRAKING3 60-0 MPH (ft.)SLALOM4 525 FT. (mph)SKIDPAD5 200 FT. (lateral g)LAP6 TIMES (min.)SOUND (dBA)7 IDLE/60 MPH/FULL THROTTLESERVICE8 INDEX, 0-100GOV’T CRASH9 TEST RESULTS, 1 TO 5 STARSFUEL ECON. (mpg) EPA CITY/HWY PM TEST (avg.)ACURA RSX Type-S3.11/7.58 15.71/89.855.4713947.50.871:25:6854.8/77.5/89.977frt=5/side=4 rollover=424/31 33.4DODGE Neon SRT-42.45/5.93 14.30/97.134.2513746.80.851:25:0863.1/81.1/86.559frt=4/side=3 rollover=422/30 26.0FORD SVT Focus ZX53.00/8.54 16.38/83.726.9712948.10.881:26:5252.9/74.3/86.467driver=5, pass=4/side f=3, r=4/rollover=421/25 24.0HONDA Civic Si2.84/8.70 16.44/83.007.1115045.80.811:27:0355.6/77.1/90.966frt=5/side=4 rollover=426/30 27.8HYUNDAI Tiburon GT V62.90/8.48 16.28/83.726.7222845.80.841:26:5749.5/79.0/82.1642002-03 models never tested18/26 24.4MAZDASPEED Protegé2.77/8.05 16.01/86.186.4912647.10.881:24:5348.6/78.4/85.770driver=5, pass=4/side f=3, r=4/rollover=NA24/30 24.7MINI Cooper S3.03/7.94 15.86/88.395.9512849.20.911:24:7655.9/77.7/86.571frt=4/side f=4, r=NA rollover=424/33 32.0MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo VIII1.77/5.25 13.59/100.064.1312750.20.941:21:0557.1/78.5/86.773frt=4/side f=2, r=4 rollover=418/26 21.7NISSAN Sentra SE-R Spec V2.78/7.94 15.83/86.276.0724247.20.861:26:5347.2/77.0/86.079frt=4/side=NA rollover=424/29 27.6SUBARU Impreza WRX STi1.59/5.22 13.52/98.913.9213447.60.921:21:6355.3/82.2/85.268driver=4, pass.=5/side f=4, r=NA/rollover=418/24 22.5TOYOTA Celica GT-S3.03/8.03 16.02/86.296.3313649.30.891:25:8553.4/79.2/87.567frt=4/side f=3, r=NA rollover=NA23/32 28.5VOLKSWAGEN Jetta GLI2.84/8.44 16.06/85.726.3413644.30.811:27:5647.2/74.6/81.469frt=5/side=4 rollover=421/29 24.9a. turbo. b. supercharged. c. twin layshaft. d. elbow. e. shoulder. 1. Best E.T., trap speed may be attained separately. 2. Best time. 3. Best stop hot or cold. 4. Best speed through 8 cones 75 ft. apart. Index of transient response. 5. Average of best cw and ccw traverse. 6. The Streets of Willow Springs shortened road course, to 100ths. 7. Average of two readings. 8. Based on 60 simple weighted tasks. 9. 5 stars=safest. *4-dr. Impreza wagon data.
